Bichette Gets A Three-Year Deal

Dante Bichette, an original member of the Colorado Rockies, has agreed to a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through 2001.

The terms of the outfielder's deal were not immediately disclosed, but Bichette said he wanted to feel appreciated "and I feel very appreciated."

Bichette, 34, was eligible to become a free agent at the end of the season when his three-year contract would have expired. That contract guaranteed him $4 million this year.

A four-time All-Star with the Rockies, Bichette's top season came in 1995, the year Coors Field opened. He hit 40 home runs and had 128 RBIs, finishing second in National League MVP voting to Barry Larkin.

This year, Bichette is among the league leaders in the batting race, with a .342 average.

"Dante has been with us from the beginning and with another outstanding season in 1998 we feel confident that he will continue to power us towards a successful future," said Rockies general manager Bob Gebhard.

Bichette was acquired from the Milwaukee Brewers on Nov. 17, 1992, the day of that year's expansion draft. He is the franchise's all-time leader in runs (549) and hits (1,076).

In 1992, he racked up a trio of firsts for the Rockies, driving in and scoring the first run while hitting the first homer in club history.

"He's been a tremendous asset to this ballclub and to the community," owner Jerry McMorris said. "Our fans will be happy to know Dante will be back."

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